DDR year 1959 stamps Art / Paintings Dresden Art Collections MNH full set
In 1959, the DDR (East Germany) issued a popular set of stamps titled “FDGB-Urlauberschiffe” (Holiday Ships of the Free German Trade Union Federation). This series was part of a broader effort to promote the state-sponsored vacation program for workers.
While the ships were part of a long-term maritime modernization program, this specific set is famous for featuring the flagship of the East German holiday fleet.
The 1959 Holiday Ships Series (Michel #768–771)
This set consists of four stamps released on February 16, 1960 (often cataloged with 1959 issues due to the ship’s 1959 launch and design period). The stamps depict the construction and concept of the MS Fritz Heckert.
| Value | Color | Description / Motif |
| 5 Pf | Olive / Gray | The Ship’s Hull under construction at the shipyard |
| 10 Pf | Green / Gray | The Ship’s silhouette with the FDGB emblem |
| 20 Pf | Red / Gray | Portrait of Fritz Heckert and the ship at sea |
| 25 Pf | Blue / Gray | The Ship in full profile (Sea trial view) |
Historical Context: The MS Fritz Heckert
- The Vessel: Named after a founding member of the KPD (Communist Party of Germany), the Fritz Heckert was a purpose-built cruise ship designed to provide affordable Baltic and Mediterranean vacations for “exemplary” East German workers.
- Propaganda: The ship was a symbol of the “socialist lifestyle,” intended to show that luxury travel was not just for the Western elite but for the proletariat.
- Technical Detail: It was one of the few cruise ships in the world at the time to be powered by a combination of gas turbines and diesel engines.
Collector’s Tips
- The “Seefahrt” Theme: This set is a cornerstone for collectors of “Ships on Stamps” (Maritime) themes.
- FDC (First Day Covers): These are particularly popular for this set, often featuring a decorative cachet of the ship’s anchor or the FDGB logo.
